Unnes Transforms Leaf Waste into Valuable Dye, Sought After by Overseas Markets
Something that was previously considered worthless and often discarded has now transformed into a high-value product. Leaf waste scattered around the Universitas Negeri Semarang (Unnes) campus has been turned into natural dyes for textiles, and intriguingly, this product is in demand in overseas markets.
In the hands of researchers, leaves like mahogany and ketapang are no longer mere organic waste. They have become a source of unique colours that are environmentally friendly and possess high aesthetic value. This has given birth to textile products such as batik and ecoprint with distinctive colours that differ from synthetic dyes.
The results of this research were showcased at the event “Dissemination of Ecoprint Fabric and Its Diversification Based on Local Plants and Natural Dyes” held at the Central Java Industry and Trade Office (Disperindag) in Semarang.
The research team coordinator, Widowati, explained that the potential of leaf waste on the campus environment is enormous for use as natural dyes.
“There is so much of it (leaf waste). Unnes is a conservation campus. So, I use the leaf waste available there,” said the lecturer in Fashion Design Education at the Faculty of Engineering, Unnes.
According to her, natural dyes have long been used by small and medium enterprises (UMKM), including batik artisans. However, there are several challenges faced, particularly regarding colour quality.
“Their difficulty is that natural dyes are limited, and the colours easily fade, for example. As academics, we research to make the colours sharper, more durable, and varied,” she said.
These efforts have borne fruit. Textile products based on natural dyes can now not only compete aesthetically but also have better durability. Even amid the global trend towards eco-friendly products, demand for such items is increasing.
Nevertheless, Widowati acknowledged that the price of products with natural dyes tends to be higher compared to synthetic dyes. However, this does not pose a barrier in the international market.